Safari, Wildlife & National Parks in Sri Lanka
With a truly astonishing diversity of geographical shapes, plants and wildlife, Sri Lanka is a true paradise for animal and nature lovers. There are a total of 21 national parks and 501 protected areas on the small island. Together they cover approximately 27% of Sri Lanka’s area. The modest size of Sri Lanka makes it possible to experience many of these small natural wonders on a tour.
These national parks are best for …
Leopards
– Yala National Park, Wilpatthu National Park
Elephants
– Udawalawa National Park and Kaudulla/Minneriya National Park
Sloth Bears
– Wilpatthu National Park
Birds
– Bundala National Park, Udawalawa National Park, Kumana National Park, Gal Oya National Park
Reptiles
– Sinharaja rainforest
Hikes
– Horton Plains, Sinharaja Rainforest
Best National Parks for Jeep Safaris in Sri Lanka
Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park in the southeast of the island is one of the world’s most important wintering areas for migratory birds and one of the world’s best spots for observing waterfowl of all kinds. The park is home to 32 species of fish, 15 amphibians, 48 reptiles and 197 birds and is home to 32 different species of mammals, five of which are classified as endangered. Bundala National Park is a Ramsar wetland and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve .
This is what you can see on a safari in Bundala National Park, for example: many different species of birds (rarely even pink flamingos), elephants, deer and stags, various species of monkeys (including the endemic Ceylon hat monkeys), freshwater and saltwater crocodiles, snakes, wild boars, jackals as well as fishing and rusty cats.
Kumana National Park
The Kumana National Park (formerly Yala East) is a bird sanctuary and therefore a hotspot for birdwatching in Sri Lanka. Around 255 different bird species have been counted here, including pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibises, herons and cormorants. The birds breed and rest primarily in and around the approximately 20 lagoons and water tanks. In addition to birds, Kumana National Park is also home to elephants, jackals and fishing cats.
Kumana National Park is also important because of its great cultural heritage: caves with rock inscriptions dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BC have been found here.
Minneriya and Kaudulla National Park
The two national parks Minneriya and Kaudulla are just 30 minutes apart. Both parks offer fantastic opportunities to observe elephants. During the dry season between June and September, the herds gather at the Minneriya Basin (“Elephant Gathering”). Up to 300 animals can be observed eating, bathing and playing here at the same time. Apart from elephants, the national parks are also home to several other mammals such as deer and deer, monkeys and small cats. Crocodiles, snakes and many rare and endemic birds can also be observed here.
Please note: Both national parks have been flooded by the Sri Lankan government from November to May in recent years. Safaris in these national parks are currently only possible in the dry season from June to October. The Hurulu Eco Park is an alternative from November to May (see below).
Elephant herd in Minneriya National Park (Elephant Gathering) © Ch. Bentele
Tip: Hurulu Eco Park
As soon as the dry season is over, the elephants leave the Minneriya/Kaudulla National Park to migrate back to other parts of the country. Many of the elephants settle in the neighboring Hurulu Eco Park, where you can easily observe them on a jeep safari outside of the Minneriya/Kaudulla season.
Udawalawa National Park
Udawalawa National Park is the best wildlife park in Sri Lanka to observe elephants all year round. Between 600 and 700 pachyderms live here all year round and it is not uncommon to see entire herds bathing or playing in the water during a safari. In addition to this main attraction, the park is home to many water buffaloes, water monitor lizards, sambar deer and monkeys. Bird lovers will also get their money’s worth in the Udawalawa National Park.
Safari in Udawalawa National Park (© R. Waldenhofer)
This is what you can see on a safari in Udawalawa National Park, for example: lots of elephants, birds, deer and stags, monitor lizards, wild boars, monkeys, jackals, crocodiles, snakes and various small cat species.
Tip: Elephant Transit Home
Right next to the Udawalawa National Park is the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home. The elephant camp, founded by the Sri Lankan Wildlife Conservation Authority and supported by the organization “Born Free”, is a collection point for orphaned, injured or abandoned young animals that are prepared for release into the wild. A visit to the Transit Home during milk feeding time (3 times a day) is highly recommended and entertaining. The project is also a real protection project and not just a tourist attraction.
Elephant Transit Home Udawalwa (© Silke Andresen)
Wasgamuwa National Park
Due to its isolated location, Wasgamuwa National Park is a national park that is rarely used by tourists and is therefore unique in its own way. The animals there are still shy and unpredictable (especially the elephants!). Of the 23 mammal species native to the park, elephants, water buffalo, wild boars and deer are most likely to be spotted. Of the 143 bird species that can be observed within the park, eight are endemic.
Wild boar in Wasgamuwa National Park
Wasgamuwa National Park also offers an important cultural heritage: the Buduruwayaya ruins in the southwest of the park date back to the 2nd century AD.
Wilpatthu National Park
Wilpatthu National Park is Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park. Closed for years due to the civil war, the park has only been open to tourists again since 2010. Among other things, it is home to the very rare sloth bears, elephants and a large number of leopards (there is even a 50% chance of sighting them in Wilpatthu). In Wilpatthu National Park you can enjoy a relaxed yet exciting safari without the crowds of tourists.
Sloth bear in Wilpattu National Park (© Uta Plickert)
This is what you can see on a safari in Wilpatthu National Park, for example: sloth bears, elephants, leopards, deer and deer, many different species of birds including the Ceylon chicken (Sri Lanka’s national bird), water buffalo, snakes, crocodiles and monkeys.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park is the most popular safari destination in Sri Lanka. Famous for its particularly high density of leopards, which can be easily observed and photographed here, Yala National Park also offers a particularly impressive landscape. Due to its unusual diversity of species, it is probably the best game viewing park in Asia and is therefore well attended (which is unfortunately not so positive, as you are often stuck in jeep traffic jams in the high season).
Leopard in Yala National Park (© Heinz-J. Mehlsam)
This is what you can see on a safari in Yala National Park, for example: leopards, elephants, sloth bears, many types of birds, reptiles and amphibians, crocodiles, monkeys, deer and deer, water buffalo, wild boars and much more.
Please note: Yala National Park is closed annually from around September 1st to around October 15th due to the mating season. The Sri Lanka Wildlife Department always decides at short notice on the exact day of closure/reopening. Further information can be found on the official website of the national park.
Tip: If the park is closed at the time you travel (or if you simply want to escape the crowds in Yala), you can go to the directly neighboring Lunugamvehera National Park. There is also a small chance of seeing leopards here.
General information about jeep safaris in Sri Lanka
When is the best time for wildlife viewing?
The best time for wildlife viewing in Sri Lanka’s national parks is morning (between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.).
When do the national parks in Sri Lanka open for jeeps?
The national parks in Sri Lanka are open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Only the Yala National Park is closed for a few weeks in September/October due to the mating season.
Can you stay overnight in the national park?
Overnight stays directly in the national park are prohibited in Sri Lanka. Tip: Choose accommodation on the edge of the national park and you won’t notice the difference to an overnight stay in the national park.
How much does a jeep safari cost in Sri Lanka?
The costs for a safari in Sri Lanka consist of the entrance fees for the national park (approx. 20-30 euros per person) and the costs for renting a safari jeep (there are various comfort levels and therefore different prices) . The approximate cost of a 3-hour safari in Sri Lanka is around 120 euros in a private jeep for 2 people (i.e. around 60 euros per person). A jeep can accommodate up to 6 people.
Where to book a jeep safari in Sri Lanka?
Almost all of our Sri Lanka tours include (at least) a jeep safari in the program. Safaris can usually also be booked spontaneously on site. As everywhere, there are better and worse providers here, which is why you should do some research and compare.
The best national parks in Sri Lanka for walking safaris
Horton Plains National Park
High in the central highlands lies Horton Plains National Park, the highest plateau on the island. The hilly landscape with its cloud forests is of outstanding natural beauty and rich in endemic plants and animals. The spectacular 884-meter abyss of the “World’s End”, where you can see the sea 60 km away when visibility is good, as well as the Baker Waterfalls are among the park’s tourist attractions. The 10 km long, easy circular hike takes around 2.5 hours and is most beautiful in the early morning hours.
Horton Plains National Park (© Silke Andresen)
This is what you can see on a walking safari in Horton Plains National Park, for example: deer and stags, many different species of birds (12 of which are endemic), wild boars, porcupines, butterflies, wild cats, wild hares, squirrels and many small lizards.
Sinharaja rainforest
The Sinharaja Rainforest is the last primeval lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka. It is an important nature reserve and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. The Sinharaja Rainforest offers an overwhelming biodiversity with many endemic plants and animals. Intoxicating views of colorful lizards, snakes, spiders and birds as well as the huge trees, colorful plants and idyllic streams make the hearts of nature lovers beat faster. The paths through the Sinharaja rainforest are wide, meaning that not only the intrepid can enjoy the fascinating forest with its breathtaking background noise. However, long trousers to protect against leeches, rainproof clothing and good footwear are required for a visit to this natural jewel.
The best national park for a boat safari in Sri Lanka
Gal Oya National Park
The Gal Oya National Park is an important eco-area and is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Sri Lanka. Rich in flora and fauna, there are many small islands in the water-rich national park that can be easily explored on a boat safari. The bird island “Kurulu Dupatha” and several other small islands in the national park are important breeding sites where you can even admire young animals in their nests. In addition to the countless birds, 32 different species of mammals also live in the park, including a large herd of elephants.
Swimming elephant in Gal Oya National Park (© M. Leingang)
This is what you can see on a safari in the Gal Oya National Park, for example: elephants (also when swimming in the lake), axis and samba deer, water buffalo, monkeys and langurs, wild boars, sloth bears, swamp crocodiles, monitor lizards and many (rare) birds.
Are you interested in going on a safari in Sri Lanka? Browse through our Sri Lanka tours or request an individual offer! We look forward to planning our trip together!